This paper is the eighth in the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) biennial series summarizing federal and state public-policy issues affecting higher education. This document's list of top public-policy issues comprises a daunting inventory for boards and chief executives to consider. Security demands of the…

The fifth UNESCO/CONFINTEA meeting took place in Hamburg in 1997. The Hamburg declaration was adopted and stated that "UNESCO should strengthen libraries, museums heritage and cultural institutions as learning places and partners in the lifelong learning process and modern citizenship" It was felt that IFLA (International Federation of…

As part-time volunteer members who have few direct operational duties, board members constantly are bombarded with information on matters ranging from strategic plans to operating budgets to tuition rates to parking permits. In the end, it is they who are accountable for all activities that occur in their institutions and systems. The need for…

If we could survey academic chief executive search committees across higher education, a composite definition of reference checking would likely include verification of factual information such as dates of employment, job titles, and responsibilities, as well as an evaluation of successful performance and leadership skills. Although everyone would…

As colleges and universities attempt to produce additional revenue and enhance their services, more are entering into contracts with private companies. Some agreements involve lengthy commitments, and this means that outsourcing contracts require thorough review by boards of trustees, which are being called upon to act with greater diligence to…

Most campus building projects are high-stakes ventures that, if not correctly planned, may be accompanied by cost overruns, schedule delays, unhappy stakeholders, diminished political goodwill, delays in new programs, or even the forfeiture of a donor gift. The key to managing complexity, reducing risk, and saving time and money lies in one…

The participant's manual contains training materials for a 3-day national conference on strengthening board leadership in agencies concerned with independent living for people with disabilities. Preliminary materials include the conference agenda, background information about the trainers, and organizational information on Independent Living…

Governors are united in their commitment to improve America's high schools. Nationwide, only 71 percent of students graduate from high school, and only 18 percent of high school freshmen go on to complete a college degree on time. Deficits in basic skills cost colleges, businesses, and underprepared high school graduates as much as $16 billion…

As with past practice, publishing this set of guidelines officially launches the higher education capital planning and budgeting process for fiscal years 2007-2012. The guidelines include a schedule, definitions, planning assumptions, statewide considerations, and instructions for presenting a six-year capital plan. Contents include: (1)…

This monograph, directed to trustees and board members of public colleges and universities, is intended to offer basic information about board and trustee responsibility; to highlight the principles of board and trustee membership; to help members keep themselves, the board, and their institution out of trouble; and to provide information on…

In the changed international climate following September 11, international education, which includes teaching and research with a global perspective as well as programs that allow students and faculty to travel, is more important than ever. This issue reviews different components of successful international programs so that board members and…

This plan describes the challenges facing higher education in New York State and the goals devised by the Board of Regents to address these challenges. The Regents publish such a plan covering two-year and four-year public, private and proprietary institutions every eight years. The major challenges facing higher education in New York are: (1) the…

This paper describes the Glion Declaration II, which resulted from the Glion Colloquium of 2000, an international meeting that focused on governance of universities. The Glion Colloquium is a private initiative that includes renowned scholars and higher education leaders from leading research intensive universities in western Europe and the United…

Discusses the complex relationship between boards of education and parish councils and their educational responsibilities. (RK)

Reviews the status of Hispanic education, examines studies of Hispanic students, describes major finance and governance issues in Hispanic education, and explores theoretical models of internal colonialism as a means of understanding the condition of Hispanic education. Proposes a research agenda for Hispanic education. (Author/SB)